On the Northwestern State University of Louisiana Campus seven historically African American fraternities and sororities make up NSU’s National Pan-Hellenic Council, and within those seven lies Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Delta Sigma Theta was founded in 1913 and is a predominantly Black sorority that is a part of the well-known “Divine Nine.”

You may have seen many girls strolling (dances put together and performed by NPHC Greeks) on campus in their crimson and cream-colored shirts or backpacks. These ladies happen to be a part of one of the Divine Nine sororities.

The “Divine Nine” consists of the nine organizations on the National Pan-Hellenic Council. These are historically Black, Greek-lettered organizations.

Delta Sigma Theta was founded at Howard University, where its first act of public service was participating in the Suffrage March of 1913, according to the official Delta Sigma Theta website.

The sorority has done many things over its years of being incorporated, which happened in 1930. In 1941, the sorority became the first sorority to provide a program of employment counseling and career development for Black women.

And on Jan. 13, 2013, the sorority celebrated its centennial celebration of being established for one-hundred years.

For many ladies being a Delta is something that they take seriously and something that they are very passionate about.

Tahirah Forté, a junior communication major, expresses her feelings about being a Delta.

“It means a lot to me and I take it very seriously. It’s definitely not something I take for granted, and I appreciate every moment,” Forté said.

For many of these women, it’s a family and a strong community that they value and appreciate.

“Welcoming, dedication and loving,” are three words that Forté used to describe being a Delta.

Bailey Willis, a junior secondary education major, describes the community and impact of the sorority.
“It means being a part of something bigger than yourself and being connected with the Black community and the essence of Black women and living Black women,” Willis said.

For many of these women, they have learned a wide variety of lessons when it comes to this sisterhood, and a main lesson has been communication

“Communication, with my sisterhood there are a lot of different personalities in one setting all with a common goal that could be executed in many different manners so you have to learn to listen and communicate properly,” Anniya Platt, sophomore communication major said.

Along with communication, connecting with others has made their sisterhood stronger.

“Learning how to open up to others is something that I’ve also learned. I’ve been an only child my whole life so I had to learn how to let others into how I’m feeling rather than keeping it to myself,” Forté said.

Being in a sorority of this caliber creates bonds and friendships that you can not find in a regular classroom. Many of these ladies have created memories and experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

“Some of my favorite moments are moments where we just get to sit and bond and get to know each other on a deeper level,” Platt said.

“Just hanging with my sister and laughing and crying together,” Willis said.

Before deciding on joining a Divine Nine sorority or fraternity it is important to do research and see what may possibly be a good fit for you or what kind of options you may have open for you.

Delta Sigma Theta is constantly hosting events and just hosted Delta week where they held events such as Paint ‘N Sip, Delta Bingo and Life’s a Gamble. These events are great ways to get in touch with the ladies of Delta and see if it is something that NSU students looking to join a sorority would be a great fit for them.

“You get to experience so many opportunities that you wouldn’t get before and meet so many wonderful people and it’s also a great way to get even more involved in your community,” Platt said.

“It feels like home. I don’t have to conform or make myself act or look a certain way to fit in. I love that we’re all different, but share the commonality that we all share the same day-to-day struggles,” Forté said.

The ladies of Delta are a strong community of Black ladies looking to become leaders while also creating sisterhood and bonding with others around them.